Since color vision checks are not a part of the standard eye exam, we really don't know how many individuals have some sort of visual impairment. The test given by some states as part of the driver's license exam, only applies to ability to read traffic signs. The sighted individual surfs an Internet full of color. An individual with normal color vision sees one world, a person with a color vision impairment sees another world. Consequently, sites that one individual sees as comfortable and easy to read may be extremely difficult for another person to read. To understand the full dimension of color vision, consider a Web site created by a person who has one form of color vision impairment, and how that pages appears to both viewers, both those with normal color vision and those with another form of impairment.

Most color design guidlines convert the colors seen by someone with a color vision impairment to a color understoon by some with normal color vision.In our vision survey, we are taking a different approach. We would like you to take a color vision test, and then select the three themes that you like the best. The warning on the bottle label states that this is not a diagnostic test. It is too short, and the test environment is not controlled. Between hardware, software, and light conditions, there are too many uncontrolled variables to create an accurate test. However, it does give you an idea of your ability to see color in your computer environment. I ran the test on three laptops sitting side-by-side, and there are subtle variations. I learned that with certain color combinations, I have a hard time distinquishing the text from the background.

The goal of the test is to shring the 21 color schemes down to just eight. Just be aware that the theme you select does impact on all the pages. If you come back, your browser will remember the last theme you selected.

I invite you to take the test. You do not have to have a color vision impairment to participate in this color vision survey.